The iconic yellow trams of Kolkata, a symbol of the city's heritage, bid farewell today.

The Kolkata tram system is a historic and iconic mode of transportation in India that has been around for over 300 years: History The first horse-drawn tram in Kolkata ran in 1873, and the first electric tram in Asia ran in 1902. The trams were once a major mode of transportation in the city, but the number of routes and trams has decreased over time. Current status Today, there are only three routes in operation, with a total length of about 8 kilometers. The routes are Gariahat to Esplanade, Tollygunge to Ballygunge, and Esplanade to Shyambazar. Future The West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) that runs the trams has plans to phase out the service due to economic reasons. Significance The trams are considered a heritage attraction and an eco-friendly way to travel. They are also said to add to the city's charm.